If there’s something beautiful about backpacks, then it is a convenience of having all the important stuff within arm’s reach. Not only are they cool, sleek, and comfortable to walk or cycle with, but incredibly ergonomic and ideal for everyone’s needs.
Backpacks are absolute lifesavers.
Over the recent past, though, bag makers have increased in number and inherently made it hard to buy a premium quality bag. One has to wade through lots of sellers and navigate around fake reviews before buying one.
It gets even harder for someone who has never bought one before and can’t tell the brands worth buying from — someone who probably hadn’t used a Thule backpack before or even owned one in the first place. If you’re going to buy one, you need to go through this best Thule backpacks review first.
The 10 Best Thule Backpacks Reviewed
Here are the 10 best Thule backpacks reviewed detailing their features and advantages:
1. Thule Crossover 25L Laptop Backpack
It isn’t a coincidence that this Crossover 25L backpack is top on this list. Tough and lightweight yet so roomy, this stylish bag is what your pricey laptop needs to feel safe. It’s that bag you just shove all your gadgets in and throw it straight to your back without giving a heck!
Laptop bags naturally are custom-made for, not just that MacBook Pro, but all that it often goes with.
Features
This Crossover 25L backpack is exactly that – a bag you can trust with all your expensive gadgets.
Starting with the SafeZone compartment, this bag has a crush-proof sunglass-shaped pocket where you can keep your delicate stuff in. It was so ingenious of Thule to incorporate it, especially at the top of the bag, since we will always need to travel with our favorite sunglasses!
This bag is waterproof, purposely to protect your laptop and other electronic accessories. It is 25L with 7+ compartments, including a side pocket. The straps are sturdy, yet so soft and adjustable. They also have a ventilated back panel that keeps your back dry and aerated.
Next up is the padded iPad sleeve, which can also accommodate a 17” laptop. It is padded, though the amazing thing about it is how roomy it. But if there’s one lovely thing about the main pocket, then it has to be how opens to show all that’s inside.
Pros:
- Guarantees complete, ultimate protection of all electronic devices.
- Cool, sleek design with fewer straps.
- Versatile and multi-purpose – fit for college students, hikers, and daypackers.
- Roomy – you can stuff in 2 days of clothes along with your Mac Air and other gadgets.
- Incredibly affordable and comes in multiple colors.
Cons:
- Not reliably waterproof.
- May struggle to sit upright.
2. Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Backpack
Thule is arguably the only bag maker to have honored the many present-day photographers, filmers, and journalists with a special backpack. The bag, capable of carrying a DSLR camera, accessories, and tripod as well as a laptop and several other accessories, is fast becoming a professional’s signature bag.
Features
First off, there has never been a bag so suitable for what professional photographers wanted like Thule Aspect DSLR bag. They never have to worry about how all their gear, including that bulky tripod, would fit in anymore.
You fit in that DSLR camera, lenses, and all accessories in the specifically-designed storage area. On the laptop area, you just shove it in and fasten the inner sleeve before shoving in all the gear in the spacious compartment. All the pockets are padded, soft, and can absorb shock to protect all your gear from inadvertent breakages. The outer material is 100% nylon to protect all that’s inside from any dust or moisture.
The camera compartment is removable, which essentially gives you an extra room. It also has a side pocket and hip belt pockets for storing all those small accessories. It is roomy, but not as bulky as other regular bags. With it at your back, it’s comfortable with or without the padded, removable hip belt.
Pros:
- Comes with soft, padded pocket for DSLR cam, all types of lenses and other vital gear
- 21’ tall, roomy, and fits 17’ laptop and tablet
- Allows you to carry your tripod conveniently
- Light, compact, and comfortable to walk or bike with.
- Well-engineered, lightweight, versatile, and safe.
- Nylon-made thus sturdy and durable
Cons:
- Not reliably waterproof.
- Camera compartment can be too small for bigger lenses
- The handle may start to unstitch after several month’s use
3. Thule Lithos Backpack
This bag doesn’t just offer a good value for money; it also packs in the best of everything.
First, one awesome thing about this bag is that despite its design having nothing unique, the bag is absolutely attractive. This bag’s six incredible colors it comes in, plus its magical matte marled finish, give it a cool look.
Features
This 20L-size bag is great for someone with a limited budget. Inside its main compartment is a padded, suspended pocket that fits a normal 15” laptop + tablet. Its side pockets are for your drink bottle, while the zippered interior pocket is great for keeping your petty stuff safely together.
If you’ve always loathed chest straps or those other annoying straps on the outside of the bag, Thule Lithos’ got you. That, coupled with its super-sleek design, means you’ve got a nice bag.
Pros:
- Simple, budget backpack; roomy enough to accommodate all your essentials
- Sleek, light, and easy to move around with.
- Strong, robust, and long-lasting; Nylon-made with metal zipper pulls
- Laptop and Tablet-safe bag, fit for students, and commuting.
Cons:
- No chest straps
- No luggage pass-through.
- Laptop and Tablet slots are very small.
4. Thule Unisex VEA Backpack
Imagine how odd you’d look going to the gym, straight at 5 pm, with your ordinary laptop bag when everyone else has a cool rucksack-style backpack. You deserve something better, like Thule Unisex VEA backpack.
There has never been a bag so perfect for those who love working out right after work than Thule Unisex VEA backpack.
Features
This bag’s distinctive rucksack design, complete with a flap-over closure gives it a unique look.
On the main storage compartment of this 25L bag are two parts. The professional compartment allows you to pack in all your office stuff. The inside of it, including the laptop sleeve, is well-padded and can thus absorb some shock to protect your precious electronic gadgets.
The active compartment of this Thule Unisex VEA backpack is where you get to stuff in your gym gear. And it isn’t just space; it’s a 2-in-1 room where you get to put the dirty outfit on one area and the clean ones on the other. You get to also pack your gym shoes in it, specifically in a special separate shoe pocket accessible from the outside. Your laptop will stay firmly safe and free from any pressure that could otherwise damage it.
There’s a nice plush-lined phone pocket to keep your little, delicate stuff. Other great features of this bag are its tough straps and an excellent zipper and flap closure system. Thule Unisex VEA backpack has a reflective finish that makes it a perfect bag for commuting late.
Pros:
- Versatile, multi-purpose duffel style bag that fits both your official and casual escapades
- Keeps all your stuff safe, clean, and well-arranged.
- Tough, durable, and roomy enough to carry all your essential luggage
- Affordable and fit for everyone – students and professionals alike.
- Engineered for commuters
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Can’t accommodate 17” laptops
- Water-resistant, but not 100% waterproof
5. Thule Crossover 32L Backpack
For someone who’s always on the move and can’t go without a little more clutter, this humongous bag has got you covered. It is a bag built to deliver as per its price tag.
It’s so big that not only can it accommodate every single piece of cloth and shoe you own, but will also have enough room to put that lunchbox.
Features
The laptop and tablet compartment is roomy too and, it’s possibly the only bag you could carry that 17” laptop with.
From the dobby nylon material, it’s built with plus the manufacturer’s great tech, this bag instantly gives the impression that it might outlast the owner. Everything, including the plastic clips and the tough, water-resistant fabric, is firmly attached.
The laptop sleeves are adequately padded, while the main compartment is just large enough to carry all your clothes and a pair or two of shoes. The two netted pockets are for storing your adapters.
Yet due to the weight it packs, the handles and straps are tough and rugged yet well-padded and easily adjustable for good weight distribution. It also has the all-important crush-proof compartment where you can shove in your smartphone!
Finally, for someone who probably commutes quite often, this Thule Crossover 32L bag should be your choice. The ridge that cuts down the middle assists in cooling, while the chest strap, when fastened well, will not only prevent lateral movements of the backpack as you cycle but also have it firmly at the back.
Pros:
- A beautiful, great bag designed almost to perfection.
- Large, compact and roomy with 7+ compartments
- Can comfortably accommodate a 17” laptop
- Tidy-looking, commuter-friendly backpack
- Great for hikers, travelers, and day-trippers.
Cons:
- Can be heavy and cumbersome to move around with
- Not fit for light travel.
- Cobalt isn’t a color that everyone would easily fall in love with
6. Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack
Not every backpack you put on during your regular commute guarantees that perfect comfort and style you’d want to enjoy. Maybe you haven’t realized it yet since you have never used Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack.
It’s never easy finding that commute rucksack you can reliably commute with all your stuff in. It has to be of the correct size, durable, and likely to withstand the day-to-day rigors of an ardent cyclist.
Features
Thule Pack-n-Pedal Commuter Backpack is designed to suit an everyday biker. It has a place for everything, with everything rightly in its place.
The main compartment is waterproof with a double closure system and a water-resistant zipper. The laptop sleeve is roomy and can accommodate a 17” + Tablet. One special thing about this bag that not all backpacks have is weight distribution. Your laptop is ‘suspended’ at the top so that you don’t feel the bottom part of the bag feeling heavy as you cruise.
This bag’s front organization pocket comes with a zipped valuables security pocket and two meshed pockets, all to keep your valuables tightly secured. It also has the all-important heat-molded crush-proof pocket.
Lastly, this bag comes with a sky-blue foldaway rain cover, which you may also use as a blinker. It also has an innovative helmet storage solution –a mesh net where you can store your helmet.
Pros:
- Carefully made to suit a biker
- Light, durable and sturdy
- Comes with a 360-degree reflective screen print
- You commute safely, efficiently, and in style
- Waterproof
- Large enough to accommodate all your stuff and protect them
Cons:
- Not as roomy as you’d expect
- Does not come with a waist strap
- Holds an ordinary-sized bike helmet alone.
7. Thule TCBP-417 Crossover 32 L Backpack
Let’s face it; we all love going on an adventure, at least once in a while. And when we go, the problem we often face is not being able to carry all our expensive gear in one go. Those who own Thule TCBP-417 Crossover 32 L Backpack are better off!
Thule TCBP-417 Crossover 32 L Backpack is that one bag fit for someone with a busy lifestyle and always travels with tons of delicate electronic equipment.
Features
It comes with a roomy compartment designed for all those delicate electronics.
The laptop sleeve is elevated a bit and can handle a 15” perfectly well. It is waterproof with zippers that ensure that all your valuables are safely kept inside too. The SafeZone pocket is well-positioned and accessible whenever it’s needed. Other unique features include its two zippered mini pockets that you can shove in your cables, chargers, and whatnots.
The tough Dolby nylon it’s made with plus the strong, rubber padded zippers mean you’ve no worries about breakages or anything. The interior side is soft, padded while its straps are tough, perforated, and well-knit onto the bag for a comfy, worry-free trek.
Pros:
- Generous 32L capacity.
- Water-resistant fabric and zippers.
- Perforated, mesh-covered EVA shoulder straps that guarantee superior comfort and wear
- Multiple handles for easy carrying.
- Tough, durable, and waterproof.
Cons:
- Lack of proper padding on the shoulder straps.
- May not withstand intense weather conditions.
8. Thule Strävan Backpack
Taking the train or bus to school or work every day only demands that your backpack isn’t just tough, roomy, and comfortable, but safe and theft-proof as well. Introducing Thule Unisex Strivan bag, a tough choice with plenty of space, and a solid customer reputation!
It is much smaller, yet just ideal for shoving in all that you require on a day-to-day basis.
Features
Its side pockets ensure you always travel with your water bottle on one side and an umbrella on the other, durable pocket. The material it’s made of is the tough, waterproof nylon, and the TPE backing and water-resistant YKK zippers ensure you have no worries while on your commute.
It can safely protect your 15” Mac and all your essential accessories, thanks to the inner spacious storage compartment. The crush-proof SafeZone compartment is incredible, too, and will keep your phone and other wares intact even if the bag inadvertently falls.
Pros:
- Fantastic high-quality backpack backed by a lifelong Thule warranty
- Sturdy, roomy, and very quirky
- Very durable, light, and comfortable
- The zipper zips down
Cons:
- Somewhat much smaller than an ordinary bag.
- Non-water resistant.
9. Thule EnRoute Laptop Backpack
Coming in a unique, oval shape, Thule EnRoute Backpack, 18L, is one among three Thule EnRoute siblings. However, unlike them, and possibly all the other Thule bags, this one is awesome for students and professionals, especially those who prefer carrying their laptops and tablets safely.
One thing you’ll instantly fall in love with is how the main compartment opens. The L-shaped zip bursts the roomy storage space open, ensuring you see right into the entire compartment without having to reach in.
Features
It is an ideal laptop bag as well, thanks to its large padded sleeve, which accommodates a 15” Mac and an iPad perfectly well. The tablet pocket is also padded to provide much-needed protection against shock, while the SafeZone has a rigid exterior with a soft interior to protect your valuable phone.
It also has an expandable mesh side pocket for your water bottle, a zipped interior pocket, and a roomy main compartment. Overall, Thule EnRoute 18L is light, durable, and waterproof as it’s made of Nylon. This bag can as well serve your commuting purposes perfectly well. Its concealable reflective lash points come in handy when you hit the road in the evening. It’s also comfortable, thanks to the soft, cozy, breathable back panel.
Pros:
- A perfect budget backpack, simple-looking, but tough and durable
- Nicely built, compact, and stable; ideal for personal items only
- Opens wide for easy access to your luggage.
- Has plenty of extra pockets, including smaller inner and outer zipped pockets
- Perfect for commuting; both students and professionals
- Strong, touch, and padded straps with a handle for easy carrying
Cons:
- Limited carrying space.
- No chest straps.
10. Thule Subterra Backpack
In Thule’s words, Thule’s Subterra ranges of bags are “Stylish, versatile and built to last” and are perfect for comfortable, hitch-free travel. Subterra 34L is the biggest of them all and, as may have guessed, it’s an ideal backpack-cum-daypack.
Subterra 34L’s roomy compartment ensures it has enough space for all essential stuff without being cumbersome and excessively large.
Features
It is made from 800D nylon; thus, lightweight and waterproof too. It is a dual-purpose pack that one can use as a travel bag and still be an everyday backpack. The YKK rubber-made zips function amazingly well, giving you a pleasant experience whenever you need the bag opened.
As for the straps, Thule Subterra Backpack 34L features some of the best, well-perforated EVA shoulder straps with a mesh covering. These shoulder straps, along with the chest straps, provide a comfy feel.
Away from the large compartment and the padded sleeve, it is this bag’s deep, rolltop front pocket that gives you extra room to pack in your luggage. It’s the greatest downside, however, is the absence of side pockets, although the zipper pocket compensates for that.
Considering its carry-on size, style, range of capabilities and the ease of removing the packing cube, the bag can be used for multiple purposes. You can rely on to accommodate all your luggage, even if you are a digital nomad, constantly on the move, or someone who travels once in a while.
Pros:
- Comes in three colors: black, blue and red
- Nylon-made, thus highly durable and built to last.
- Versatile and multi-purpose
- Roomy with packing cubes for the hassle-free organization of your stuff.
- Easy access to your stuff; rolltop opening with magnetic closure
- Nice shoulder and chest straps for a comfortable carry
Cons:
- No side pockets.
- Not water-resistant.
Information About Thule Brand
With tens of different bag types, Thule is a legendary name in the world of backpacks. This Swedish brand makes a vast catalog of backpacks, luggage, and laptop cases and for all kinds of people. Its assortment of bags is known the world over for being custom-built, fabulous to move around with, and well worth their price. You can get one worth less than $100 to another worth well over $200 and even more.
Thule bags are suitable for all, including students, kids, professionals, sports persons, hikers, backpackers, and adventure-lovers. The amount of tech that goes into their manufacture is mind-boggling, perhaps the reason why 5-star reviews. Going by the features, specifications, and versatility, they are just about ideal modern-day bags.
What Things to Consider when Buying a Thule Backpack
Here are the factors to consider when purchasing a Thule Backpack:
Material
It is imperative to buy a backpack made from sturdy, durable, and functional material. This extends beyond the fabric and encompasses what the straps, handles, and zippers are made from. Thule backpacks are mainly made using materials proven to withstand the everyday rigors, wear, and tear.
Nylon is Thule bag’s signature material, although you must go for a tougher type. But there’s little to worry about Thule bags because all of them are waterproof and “weather resistant.” Aside from that, a relatively big plastic zipper along with meshed and adjustable shoulder and chest straps are equally recommended.
Size and Weight
Just because it’s a backpack doesn’t mean it has to be heavy, bulky, and cumbersome. Thule’s array of bags varies in size and weight, with some being a lot heavier than an ordinary backpack. They are as small as 14L, medium, and as large-sized as 32L.
Naturally, you would go for one which best suits your requirements. But because knowing the size and weight off-the-bat can be hard, especially if you’ve never bought a bag before. The best thing is to, therefore, consider the number of liters the bag is when shopping for it; it’s often indicated in it.
Compartments
It’s actually great that all Thule backpacks come with several differently-sized compartments and pouches. With some having as many as 7+ compartments, this factor is of huge importance if you are going to buy one.
If you need a simple, small laptop back that you’d need exclusively for your Mac and Tablet, having a handful of compartments will not be an issue.
However, for a journalist, a hiker, or someone who needs lots of gadgets, more compartments would be necessary. Thankfully, Thule has everyone’s needs covered.
Color, Style and Comfort
Some Thule bags come in more than one color, while others are available in just one. Most of Thule bags feature a muted, dark color. Depending on your preferences and the available color choices, you should get one that appeals to your liking.
As for the style, you should understand that some Thule backpacks have a chest strap while others don’t. Others also come with side pouches, while others don’t. You should, therefore, know the type of bag you are looking for before spending your cash.
It is hard to tell if a backpack fits you unless you try it on. It’s even a bit impossible to tell whether it will be comfortable when you haven’t used it yet. However, the best thing is to use previous reviews and recommendations. If in doubt, though, consider asking the shop to get it fitted correctly for you.
Price and Warranty
Buying a backpack is one of those critical decisions you take, especially because of how useful it will be. Also, you’ve got to choose a particular one which will last you for years.
However, this doesn’t always mean you are going to break your budget. Almost all Thule bags are of premium quality and even come with a limited lifetime warranty. However, always make the price the last of the considerations you are going to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Thule backpacks manufactured?
Though Thule is a Swedish brand, most of its products are made in Europe. However, even with that, 75% of all Thule products sold in the US are made locally in Seymour, CT, and Chicago, IL. Bags are predominantly made in the US as well, although some are imported.
What certifies Thule bag’s quality?
Thule employs cutting-edge processes and procedures when designing and manufacturing a Thule bag. With the strict guidelines adhered to in the quality assurance and thorough testing each bag, each bag produced is of the highest quality. That’s why the bags aren’t just tough, but guaranteed to last and even come with a limited lifelong warranty.
What makes Thule unique compared to other brands?
The backpacks market is flooded with lots of brands of bags. However, Thule stands tall because it consistently produces high-quality bags. They have been proven to be tough and durable, ergonomically designed, and worth their prices.
Thule also manufactures bags for everyone, including kids, students, professionals, hikers and backpackers, and everybody in-between. On top of that, you are confident of a limited lifetime warranty on every bag purchased.
What does Thule Limited Lifetime Warranty cover?
The limited lifetime warranty on every bag rubberstamps the high quality that each bag comes with. However, the warranty covers defects and damages that affect the product. Normal wear and tear or discolorations on the fabric quality provided they happened within 2 years from the date of purchase.
Where can you get top-quality Thule bags online?
Thule bags can be found in almost every country. Nearly every major retail and online shop today sells them, which also makes it a lot convenient for one to order them anywhere. However, genuine, good-quality bags can only be found from certified seller stores, including Amazon.
Thule Backpack Review – Conclusion
Regardless of the bag that you opt for, Thule packs are well worth their retail prices. They are well-engineered, durable, and come with a standard mark of quality. Since the quality of these bags can’t be doubted, you should consider placing an order for your preferred backpack.
While buying one online, however, there’s one thing you need to understand: Thule bags aren’t expensive if bought from reputable online stores like Amazon. Taking advantage of the sometimes-insane deals and offers on Thule backpacks on Amazon, you can get a premium bag at a dirty-cheap price. Remember, this manufacturer issues a limited lifelong warranty on all its bags.
